Level 1 This level is for students entering our program for the first time. The class emphasizes the development of a strong acting technique through the use of theater games, improvisation and scripted material. Students learn how to answer the questions all actors must ask in order to successfully approach a script: Who? Where? What? Why? How? Exploration of the actor's physical resources of voice and movement will also be used. The last class will be open to invited guests.

Level 2 In this level we explore characters and relationships on a deeper level. Students discover how action and behavior shape characterization. They continue to track their character's journey through scenes and monologues; articulating the essential elements of building a character, playing objectives, fighting through obstacles and trying to resolve the conflict in the scene. As always, instructors continue to encourage the unique creativity of each student. The session culminates in a final open class. Please Note: Most students are required to complete two semesters of Level 2 before moving onto Level 3. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 1 or by interview and audition.

Level 3 : The Master Class Level 3 students will continue to hone their acting technique by working on material individualized for their specific growth. Work can include monologues, scene study, acting exercises or other projects of the instructor's choosing. Continued development of the actor's physical resources will be included. The semester will culminate in a complete staging of theater pieces performed at our theater! Prerequisite: Completion of two semesters of Level 2 AND permission of a director. Students entering our program for the first time must audition for placement in this program.

Acting for Film & TV This on camera course will teach students about the TV commercial and the TV / film industry. By working on camera each week, students will learn how to prepare for the commercial audition and how to approach written material for TV and Film (while also exploring choice, size and physicality in front of the camera). Prerequisite: Enrollment in or completion of Teen Acting I (or an equivalent).

Improv For Actors Give your imagination a blast of spontaneity! Learn how to better use your observation, concentration, creativity and quick thinking skills. Plus, learn how to use improvisation during theatre rehearsals and while performing on stage. A fun and funny course! The last session will be an open class for family and friends.

The Teen Musical Theater Program

TEEN Musical Theater In this fun, non-competitive class, students are introduced to the most important element of Musical Theater: the Voice! By using group numbers and solos, students will learn about vocal technique, proper breathing, diction, projection, the basics of reading music and best of all, the joy of singing! At the same time, students will be introduced to acting through a song" by exploring and interpreting the lyrics of the song. The last session will be an open class for family and friends.

TEEN Musical Theater II Students will continue to develop vocal skills and further develop the technique of acting through a song by exploring and interpreting the lyrics of the song. Group numbers, duets and solos will be used. As always, instructors encourage the unique abilities of each student. The semester will culminate in a complete staging of musical theater pieces performed in a final class project in the NJSDA Theater! Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 1 or by permission of instructor.

NEW! NJSDA’s Encore Musical Theater Project (Grades 7 - 12):A unique, pre-professional performance program dedicated to developing diverse and multi-dimensional theater artists. Students will continue to develop vocal skills and further develop the technique of acting through a song by exploring and interpreting the lyrics of the song. Group numbers, duets and solos will be used and decided by the cast members and directors. Each cast member will be given the opportunity to have a leading role and choose a song to perform either alone or with the support of the ensemble. Their choices will be guided and coached by the directors. As always, NJSDA encourages the unique abilities of each student. The semester will culminate in a complete staging of musical theater pieces performed in the NJSDA Black Box Theater.

Class is scheduled on Tuesday evenings September 17 - December 6 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. plus a tech rehearsal on Thursday, December 5 from 6pm - 8:30pm. Our showcase (2 performances) will be on the Friday, December 6th at 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.